Very young children's session

Provide the following play materials for very young children throughout the session: building block challenge for the children to work together on.

Gathering song: I can hear you, God above 

Sing to the tune: Into the unknown (Frozen 2) 

Karaoke version; Original lyric version 

I can hear you, God above,
what will it mean to, try something new?
There’s a thousand ways Lord, I can serve you and be kind,
will you show me now God, what it means to be a friend? Ah! 

You are the one, who’ll give me courage to step out,
and if I listen – which I will – I’ll trust in you, you alone.
Every day there’s chance to be a shining light for you,
I’m asking will you guide me through and help me be like you?
It’s all an adventure, a chance for something new,
I’m excited to take risks and so to follow you.
Into the unknown, into the unknown, into the unknown!

Tell the story using the hand actions.
Jesus said, ‘Don’t be afraid! (shake one finger)
It can be hard following me, but God cares for each of you. (hold hands out)
God cares for every little sparrow,
but you are more special to God. (interlock thumbs to make a bird)
You are so special that God knows how many hairs are on your
head. (point to head)
Even when things are hard and tough, (bang fists together)
don’t be afraid.’ (shake one finger)

Faith walk

Play and think about the cost of sharing our faith

Create a rough and smooth barefoot walk with patches of dry leaves, sand, stones, fluffy blankets and cotton wool. As the children walk along the path, say: Telling others about God can sometimes be easy and sometimes hard.

Crunch paper colouring

Make a symbol of God being with us when we tell others

• Ask everyone to screw up a piece of white paper as you say: Sometimes it’s hard telling others about God.
• Open the paper out, give everyone a colour crayon to rub over the creases.
• Repeat with a different colour.

Remind the children that God is always with them.

Sing

To the tune: London's burning

My God loves me, my God loves me,
and I’m part of God’s story.
Good news, good news!
Let’s tell others, let’s tell others!